Recent Japanese Articlesfrom the Blog

Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro,
check out the Japanese articles on our blog.

There's no better way to learn Japanese than exploring important aspects of the culture. Martial arts play a significant role in both Japanese history and Japanese culture.
So whether you're taking Japanese lessons or you're interested in learning martial arts, here is your guide to the most popular Japanese fighting styles.
Sumo
Sumo is Japans national sport. The rules are simple: each rikishi (wrestler) tries to push his opponent out of the elevated, clay dohyo (ring).
A sumo m …
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The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Martial Arts

There's no better way to learn Japanese than exploring important aspects of the culture. Martial arts play a significant role in both Japanese history and Japanese culture.
So whether you're taking Japanese lessons or you're interested in learning martial arts, here is your guide to the most popular Japanese fighting styles.
Sumo
Sumo is Japans national sport. The rules are simple: each rikishi (wrestler) tries to push his opponent out of the elevated, clay dohyo (ring).
A sumo m

The Best Way to Learn the Japanese Alphabet

Want to know the best way to learn the Japanese alphabet? You've come to the right place! Here, you'll find some of the most effective tips and tricks to help you master the fundamentals of the Japanese language.
In the United States, we learn our "ABCs." But in Japan, children learn their ?????s. Even though Japanese can seem difficult to read and write, learning the basic Japanese alphabet isn't as hard as you think!
The Japanese Alphabet &amp; Writing Systems
Written Japanese has two

Learn Hiragana and Katakana With Japanese Calligraphy

When you're taking Japanese lessons, you will be introduced to various Japanese writing systems. Here, Winston-Salem, NC teacher Willy M. explains how learning Japanese calligraphy can help you understand the Japanese alphabet...
The Japanese alphabet, or writing systems, are very different from our alphabet in English. Japanese uses more than one syllabary. A syllabary is a group of syllables that make up different words. Think of it more like a phonics system. The difference between th

Omotenashi: Japanese Hospitality and Etiquette

When you're studying a foreign language, it's helpful to also learn about culture, history, and traditions. Here, Japanese teacher Taro T. introduces the Japanese concept omotenashi...
As someone who learned English as a second language, I truly believe in the importance of finding something positive from a new culture, and adopting it in your own life. This doesnt just help you learn a new language, but it will also help you grow as an individual.
Courtesy for Others
Omotenashi is a r

8 Essential Japanese Greetings: Hello, Good Morning, & More!

Want to learn basic greetings in Japanese? Greetings are an important part of any language because they allow you to connect and communicate with others, even as a beginner. If you're planning a trip to Japan soon or are trying to learn how to speak Japanese, keep reading to find out some of the most common Japanese greetings.
8 Popular Greetings in Japanese
1. Ohayou gozaimasu
(kanji: ????????, hiragana: ?????????)
This greeting is how you would say "good morning" in Japanese. The